WHAT IS A VULNERABLE ADULT?

Any person (children included) whose ability to perform the normal activities of daily living or to provide for his/her own are or protection is impaired due to a mental, emotional, physical or development disability or dysfunction, or brain damage or the infirmities of aging. This includes all residents or patients of a care facility.

WHAT IS ABUSE?

The willful or non-accidental infliction of physical pain, injury or mental anguish.

The unreasonable confinment of a vulnerable adult.

The willful deprivation by a caretaker of services which are necessary to maintain the mental and physical health of a vulnerable adult.

Includes sexual abuse.

Does not mean conduct which is a part of the treatment and care of, and in furtherance of the health and safety of a patient or resident of a care facility.

Includes, but is not limited to, a single incident.

WHAT IS NEGLECT?

The inability of a vulnerable adult who is living alone to provide for themselves the food, clothing, shelter, health care or other services which are necessary to maintain their mental and physical health.

The failure of a caretaker to supply the vulnerable adult with the food, clothing, shelter, health care, supervision or other services which a reasonably prudent person would do to maintain the vulnerable adult’s mental and physical health.

Includes a single incident.

WHAT IS EXPLOITATION?

The illegal or improper use of a vulnerable adult or his resources for another’s profit or advantage with or without consent of the vulnerable adult, and includes acts committed pursuant to a power of attorney.